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Guidelines on Writing Patient Information Leaflets

Preparing and writing patient information leaflets requires not just clinical knowledge and skill but also precision and caution. Clinical departments need to be more aware of the significance of providing clear and accurate information to patients. Aside from containing explicit data and evidence-based content, it should be written using appropriate language and formatted in a readable and presentable way. With a few guidelines you create optimum quality leaflets.

  1. Identify and Structure the Information

    • Make a list of all the information necessary for inclusion. Remember that the aim is to produce informative material that is instructive, helpful and responsive to the needs of the patients. The content of the leaflet should be able to answer possible queries of each patient. Try to respond to common questions but never overload the readers with too much information.

    Ensure Accuracy of Information

    • Provide the patients with timely written and comprehensive information. Do not forget consistency in the information you provide as patients also receive information from other sources. Ensure that appropriate language is used. Avoid abbreviations, jargon, and technical or medical terminologies. If certain medical terms are necessary, provide a glossary.

    Cite References

    • Reference all information and source statements of clinical risks or effectiveness. You can also reference to suitable books or further information leaflets designed to specifically address certain concerns.

    Consider Style and Presentation

    • Since the purpose of the leaflet is to inform the patients and their caregivers, make the presentation and design interesting enough for the patients/caregivers to read. Organize the content of the material properly. Prioritize useful information and keep references or resources as short as possible. Utilize navigation aids such as headings, content lists, bullets and highlighted boxes to improve presentation and readability.

      Consider the leaflet size, color, designs applied, type of font and size of font used. Note that patients may lose interest in reading lengthy and poorly designed leaflets. If this is the case, the information you collected and prepared will not be read. Have your leaflet evaluated and edited by several people, and revise the material as necessary.

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